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NLC Slams Akpabio for “Legislative Dictatorship” Over Senator Natasha’s Suspension
By DocuNews Central Staff Reporter
Abuja, Nigeria — In a development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of steering the nation toward what it calls a “legislative dictatorship.” The powerful labour union issued the charge in reaction to the continued refusal of the Nigerian Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose six-month suspension expired earlier this month.
The NLC’s statement, issued in Abuja and reinforced by several civil society groups and political stakeholders, paints a troubling picture of a legislature allegedly overstepping its constitutional bounds. The unfolding standoff has not only ignited a national conversation about the rule of law and legislative independence but has also highlighted the deepening tensions between Nigeria’s executive and legislative arms of government.
Six-Month Suspension Sparks National Controversy
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025. Her suspension followed a report from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
The Senate claimed that the action was necessary to maintain order after allegations of misconduct, but Natasha and her supporters described the move as politically motivated. Her suspension was set to last six months — a period that expired in early September 2025.
Instead of allowing the senator to immediately resume her duties, the Senate leadership has continued to block her return. This refusal has triggered strong condemnation from across Nigeria’s political spectrum and from civil society, with the NLC taking the lead in accusing the upper chamber of “dragging the country toward legislative dictatorship and democratic anarchy.”
NLC Warns of Dangerous Precedent
In its strongly worded statement, the NLC condemned what it described as a “deliberate and dangerous attempt to silence the voice of the people of Kogi Central and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.” The union’s leadership warned that the Senate’s action, under the direction of Senate President Akpabio, threatens to set a precedent where political disagreements are settled not by debate or due process but by arbitrary suspensions.
“We cannot allow the Senate to become an instrument of legislative dictatorship,” the NLC declared. “What is happening to Senator Natasha is not just an attack on one senator; it is an attack on the democratic rights of all Nigerians who deserve fair representation.”
The labour body, which represents millions of Nigerian workers, also urged the judiciary to act swiftly to enforce court orders requiring the Senate to reinstate the suspended senator.
Other Groups Join the Outcry
The NLC is not alone in its criticism. Prominent socio-political group Afenifere and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have also expressed outrage, demanding that the Senate immediately comply with the expiration of the suspension.
Afenifere described the continued exclusion of Senator Natasha from legislative duties as “an affront to the Nigerian Constitution and the principles of representative democracy.” Similarly, PDP leaders accused the Senate of using “legal technicalities to deny Nigerians their constitutional right to representation.”
Human rights advocates have also raised alarms, warning that the Senate’s action could create a culture where powerful political figures punish dissent and silence opposition through arbitrary disciplinary measures.
Legal Tussle and Senate’s Defence
While the NLC and other groups have been vocal in their condemnation, the Senate leadership has maintained that it is acting within its rights.
Officials close to the Senate President argue that the matter is still “sub judice,” meaning it is under judicial consideration. They insist that the chamber cannot act until certain legal processes have been completed.
Supporters of Akpabio claim that the suspension was not politically motivated but rather the result of a disciplinary process intended to uphold the integrity of the Senate. They also argue that the Senate’s internal rules grant it the power to discipline members in order to maintain order and protect its image.
Nevertheless, critics counter that the six-month suspension has lapsed and that any further delay in reinstating Senator Natasha amounts to a deliberate violation of Nigeria’s constitutional principles.
Senator Natasha’s Response
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently maintained her innocence and insists that her suspension was a calculated attempt to silence her. She has accused Senate President Akpabio of abusing his office and orchestrating what she calls a “premeditated political punishment.”
“My people in Kogi Central deserve representation, and their voice cannot be silenced because of political games in Abuja,” she said in a recent press briefing. “This is no longer about Natasha; it is about democracy itself.”
Her legal team has also taken action in court, seeking an order compelling the Senate to allow her to resume her legislative duties without further delay.
Public Reactions
Across Nigeria, social media has become a battleground of opinion. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #ReinstateNatasha and #LegislativeDictatorship have trended for days, with users sharing sharp criticism of the Senate leadership.
One user wrote, “How can the Senate preach democracy and at the same time deny the people of Kogi Central their constitutional right to representation? This is legislative dictatorship, pure and simple.”
Another commented, “The rule of law must be respected. If Natasha’s suspension has expired, the Senate has no legal or moral right to keep her out. Akpabio must act now.”
However, a few users defended the Senate’s stance, arguing that the chamber has the authority to regulate its internal affairs and that it must be allowed to conclude any pending legal or disciplinary matters.
Analysts Warn of Broader Implications
Political analysts say the clash between the NLC and the Senate highlights a deeper struggle within Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“This is not just about Natasha,” said Lagos-based political commentator Dr. Seyi Adebanjo. “It is a test of whether the National Assembly respects the limits of its powers and whether civil society can hold it accountable. If this situation is not resolved properly, it could set a precedent where legislative leaders wield their power like a sword rather than a gavel.”
Legal experts note that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every constituency representation in the National Assembly. Prolonged exclusion of a duly elected senator, they argue, could amount to a constitutional breach, exposing the Senate to judicial sanctions.
Calls for Swift Resolution
The NLC has vowed to continue its campaign until Senator Natasha is reinstated. The union has hinted at possible nationwide protests and has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to protect the nation’s democratic institutions.
“We are prepared to mobilize Nigerian workers to defend democracy,” the NLC warned. “This is a fight for the soul of our republic.”
Several civil society groups have echoed that call, urging both the judiciary and the executive to ensure that the Senate complies with constitutional provisions.
What Lies Ahead
As the standoff deepens, all eyes are on the courts, which are expected to rule on the senator’s case in the coming weeks. A decisive judgment could clarify whether the Senate has the legal authority to delay Natasha’s reinstatement after her suspension has formally lapsed.
For now, the NLC’s charge of “legislative dictatorship” has become the rallying cry for those who fear that Nigeria’s hard-won democratic gains are at risk.
Whether the Senate will yield to mounting pressure or continue to stand its ground remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the battle over Senator Natasha’s seat has become a symbol of the larger struggle to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions from political overreach.
DocuNews Central will continue to monitor developments in this unfolding political crisis and provide updates as new information emerges.
